Special School Outreach | Oxfordshire Schools

Referrals to Special School Outreach are made via the SENDCO Helpdesk.

Special Schools across Oxfordshire are working with us to develop a continuum of local provision through outreach support to help schools improve outcomes for our children and young people with SEND. Staff from special schools are working alongside existing teams in Oxfordshire to provide additional skills, knowledge and guidance where it is needed most.

Special School Outreach is designed to foster sustained improvement rather than addressing individual pupil cases or offering short-term fixes. Support will focus on leadership and key worker development in schools to drive cultural change and ensure long lasting impact.

Support available

Leadership package

This support includes, but is not limited to:

Support the development of strategies that focus on the principles of good teaching for SEND pupils, which are good for all students.
Support the development of policies for SEND.
Support the development of behaviour and relationship strategies that focus on empowering mainstream schools through lasting cultural change.

Key worker development package

This support includes, but is not limited to:

Specific training to upskill key workers – focus on developing effective strategies for a specific group of students with identified needs/barriers.
Modelling of good practice
Training and support for staff
Visit a specialist school (staff only) to see best practice e.g. resources, environment, interventions.
Observation of strategies in the setting, discussion with key staff members

SEND clinics

SEND clinics run throughout the academic year across Oxfordshire. These sessions provide an opportunity to visit a special school for advice and guidance. Special schools advertise these clinics in the SENDCo Bulletin and through School’s News. Schools book directly with the special needs schools delivering the clinic.